Ever feel like visiting McCall, Idaho but couldn’t think of a reason? Well, tipster Tony Primo has just taken any excuse away by putting us onto this 1972 Chevy Nova survivor. It’s available for an asking price of $18,000. We all know that that’s only a starting point, of course. So make your play and become the next caretaker of this nearly pristine classic, if the seller’s originality claims seem credible. And why not? Find it here on craigslist.
The good news is that this one’s a claimed two-owner survivor with just over 14,000 miles on the odometer. The first owner apparently put 12,000 on the car, and then went to the big repair shop in the sky. The family then garaged the car. For forty years. In 2019, the current owner bought it and has put a couple of thousand miles more on the clock. He’s also done a little bit of maintenance, but he has saved any parts that came off for replacement, from the wipers to the seatbelts to the side mirrors. Power steering was also recently added, which makes life a lot easier in an old car.
The bad news is that it’s got four doors. I know, I know—the hobby is changing its collective mind on what used to be cars that were much less desired than two-door models. To a degree, this is because when a good car—however many doors it may have—turns up, people recognize that this no longer happens on an everyday basis. But to the tune of $18 grand? Is this not a $5,000 car, maybe eight or ten with the premium that should go with the car for originality? Another way to say this would be to ask what else you can buy for this coin? Lots of the examples you’ll find on Barn Finds will have only a pair of doors.
And what don’t you know? You don’t know what engine the Nova has, though the images show a small V8 in there. You don’t know the extent of the blemishes the paint has. As it is, the photos are all too far from the car to really make any determination. You don’t know what paperwork goes with the car, which would justify the originality claims and perhaps the monetary value. And you don’t know what the car looks like underneath. The counter point to that is a shot in the trunk which looks like things are original, and partial engine shots that seem about right for the super-low mileage. Further images substantiate the originality as you look at the front seat and the instrument panel. Remember when GM put a clock face in there and then didn’t give you the works unless you paid for it as an option? My dad never paid, so this “feature” was a constant reminder of his frugality. Nostalgia is the best! But I still think this Nova is overpriced. What’s your call on this?
I’m guessing 307. Nice old car, but $18k is to much.
No a/c but used wiper blades included.
It is a 307 V8 with the 2 speed power glide transmission.
I’m guessing 307. But for 72 it could be a 350. Nice old car, but $18k is to much.
I’m having Deja Vu about this 2019 listing regarding a white over blue 4-door 1972 V8 Nova with 12K miles in Idaho. What’s she been up to for the past 4 years?
https://barnfinds.com/12k-original-miles-1972-chevrolet-nova/
It looks like a nice car but not $18K nice. Seller either has a very strong case of Barrett-Jacksonitis, or doesn’t want to sell but his wife wants him to, so he’s jacked the price up to tell his wife “see honey, it’s for sale but it’s just not selling…”
4 doors start being offered for stupid money when either, 2 doors are too expensive for the average buyer and/or the non automotive people start buying and don’t understand pricing. We all suffer.
I had a ’70 Nova 4-door for a while a long time ago. Mine had a straight six and an auto trans that was probably a two-speed. I traded a ratted out ’68 Mustang convertible for it and it actually had a fresh paint job. The guy who painted it got creative with the hood as you can see. It was an OK daily driver that was dependable and reasonable on fuel. I should have kept it though. Maybe with the custom paint I could have gotten more than $18k today?😂🤣!!
That’s a good theory! 😁
That trick wears out after a few cars.
I agree. For a car like this, I’d pay close to $10k. I’d still have money left over to insure the car, to inspect the car, etc., to just enjoy the car.
A few more pics would have been nice but this is in essence a base model with a 307 probably powerglide manual brakes and had manual steering. I’m guessing drums on all fours. Ok it looks nice but still 18 g’s is out of line.
More door crew cab with no A/C for 18k…… nope.
Sticker shock…..lol
Clean, but crew cab knocks 10k off.
18k, not like it’s SS, it’s a plain Jane 4 door.
This car is worth what someone is actually asking , it may not be worth it to you but someone is willing to pay 18k if they really want
Honestly, I’d rather have this than an SS. It’s far less common.
I can see maybe $12K for this given how clean and nice it looks. But that would deserve a close look. But… it may very well go for asking price or close to it – people like these for good reason. Crew cab or not, this is really cool
500 bucks TOPS if it runs & drives w/decent brakes.
You guys in U.S. are suffering from Argentina like inflation.
That balloon is gonna POP & you’ll all be 😢 crying.
Its not a collector not nothing a bench seat grocery getter.
With BAD gas mileage & maintenance issues.
JUNKY JUNK
Well that was sure an ignorant post. Congrats on setting a new low bar.
And plenty more drivel from the peanut gallery of lowballers who likely don’t own any classic cars at all. This Nova is worth every bit of $18k to the right person. No amount of money can reproduce this level of originality, and the supply of ultra low mileage vehicles like this is quite small. Someone will absolutely pay that.
no they won’t
No one is going to pay anywhere near 18k for this car. Original,yes. 4 doors not worth diddly. Wake up.
@Jeff L
Keep telling yourself that. Again, you were never in the market for this car in the first place, so your opinion means nothing. You’re one of the “if it’s not popular I don’t want it” crowd. You aren’t the target market for this car.
You know what they say aboiy opions……?
Another Rip Van Winkle comment.
This was NEVER a $500 car, not in this condition,
Stirrin’ the pot, you and John.
Maybe $500 in 1980…
Back in the 70s you could buy lots of low mile clean cars for cheap LOL. I bought a 67 Camaro in 1970 for $1800 and it just sold (same car) at Mecum Monterey for $170,500. Go figure??
Troll keeps trollin’….
Low mileage isn’t the whole story, but it is a starting point, if it can be documented. Just sitting can kill a car as much as hard miles. Age and oxidation wait for no one. Unless properly stored and looked after during storage, anything and everything can and will go wrong. Every piece of rubber on the car is likely dry-rotted and failed, and unless the fuel was treated regularly with fuel stabilizer, the gas tank, fuel lines and float bowl are full of a bad combination of water, gum, varnish and rust. If the engine wasn’t turned over at least by hand on a regular basis, the engine could be rust seized, and God help the first person who tries to crank it over without a borescope inspection of the cylinders first. Any antifreeze has likely crystallized to junk, requiring a radiator rebuild or replacement along with a full cooling system flush, all new hoses and a new heater core for the same reason.
With all of that said, if the car was properly stored in a dry garage, body rust could be minimal to nonexistent, and if the engine checks out, this could be a good buy, but not at $18k. In addition to the fuel and cooling system issues, a full tuneup would likely be necessary to deal with rotted plug wires and corroded spark plugs. Add in a complete fluid change for the engine tranny and rear end, along with a complete brake job on all four wheels, including flushing and bleeding the brakes and you’re just getting started. Oh, and did I mention that the tires are also likely cracked and dry rotted? They’re rubber also. If the engine, transmission and rear end (or most likely all three) need overhaul, then the costs will escalate rapidly.
It seems originality is being touted as a selling point for this car. Adding power steering just blew that, It’s not original now anymore.
Right, because adding power steering negates the paint, the interior, weatherstrips, glass, trim, chrome, lack of rust, etc etc.. the car is just falling apart now because they added power steering!
Boy, some of you people are CLUELESS.
Somebody probably put aftermarket air in the tites too!
I agree, probably a 307 2bbl and a powerglide, which was a very reliable setup, by the way, and quite peppy in a Nova. My Aunt had that in a 71 coupe, but with power steering. I’m surprised this one had the V8 but no power steering. 4-wheel drum manual brakes, also. This one looks great, but without A/C it’s a taxicab. A collector or someone might want it for sentimental reasons, but a 4 door won’t attract a lot of buyers. Even in that condition. A coupe would go for more, because there’s so few in original condition, since they were either wrecked, rotted away, or turned into ridiculous hotrods, rather than left original and appreciated for what they are.
What a nice old Nova. Four doors or not, these were and still are very viable means of transportation. There is something to be said about basic straightforward simplicity. Kept up, there really isn’t much to break on this car and should run well for decades to come. Simple beauty right there…
No air, no 350, mabe power steering, mabe power brakes
Needs more pictures
Adjust the price.
Why adjust the price? Some people seek out this level of low mileage originality. Very few “restored” cars are done to the level where they match the quality of original when it comes to the driving experience and everything just working right. Ever driven an ultra low mileage classic? Nothing is worn out, windows and doors seal, the seat is still firm and comfortable, glass is crystal clear, no squeaks and rattles, etc etc.. Originality is what makes this car valuable and desirable. The buyer for this car doesn’t car even slightly about what YOU think is “cool” or what is popular. They want the experience of driving a nearly new ‘72 Nova again, and this is the ONLY way to do it. The only way you could even come close to comparing is with a top notch TOTALLY restored car done by someone who really knows what they’re doing. But that takes a hell of a lot more than $18k to accomplish on a Nova like this.
I couldn’t have said it better myself..There is a buyer for every seat…and 4 doors rule!!
Edsel Al,
Yep, a real enthusiast appreciates all kinds of “special” classic cars. If this Nova were a rusty hulk that was beat to death and needed complete resto, it wouldn’t be special at all. But the fact that it is a preserved low mileage specimen makes it special. We don’t get to pick and choose which cars get preserved, we have to take what is available on the market. Sure, many of us would love to find a big block SS in this condition, but of course such a car would also be a LOT more money.. and people would still whine about the price. Like they do with every old car they can’t afford.
Like the Shelby I recently sold, where people said the same kinds of ignorant things about price and originality, yet I still got fairly close to my asking price and made a deal WITHOUT the engine and trans I was going to include with it. The majority of the commenters here simply are not car enthusiasts. A lot of them seem to be people who can’t let go of the past, and will never accept that most of these cars are going up in value continuously as the supply drops and demand for classics increases, in part due to more people now having more expendable income than ever before. The guy who fixed up a 20 year old Nova in high school but sold it when he went off to college now makes enough to have a really nice one now, and will pay what it takes. The rarity and desirability of the various pedigree cars out there has driven their prices through the roof, so the average buyer has to settle for the “lesser” car they can actually afford, which drives up demand and thus price for every model down the line.
25 years ago this Nova would be dirt cheap relative to any two door. But it also wouldn’t have been nearly as special then. There’s a lot of low mileage clean 25 year old cars out there. Not nearly as many at 50 years old.
What’s the obsession with A/C? Why are people disappointed that a car does not have it? Do you really cruise a classic car with the windows up on a 90°day? It’s only more “crap” in the way, heavy and ugly under the hood and more to maintain and restore. I just don’t understand it……as if you wouldn’t buy a car you liked because of that….
People also seem to forget that there are plenty of places in this country where A/C is only really necessary for a small portion of the year, if at all. Not to mention, this low mileage preserved car will remain so and rarely be driven. My assumption is that the new owner will only choose to take it out sparingly on nice comfortable days when the weather is perfect. I have several toys that each get used sparingly. These aren’t daily drivers any more, people.
Been saying it for years, Geoff. You want A/C, you want amenities like a tush warmer, just buy a more modern car. I don’t understand the camp of people that would turn down a nice, clean, original car because it does not have air. Big deal. It’s not like you’re driving the car everyday anyway. I seek out cars without air for the reasons you stated, especially the cleanliness in the engine compartment. Did all the people back in the 50’s and 60’s melt with no air?! I mean come on.
Yes we did melt if we didn’t have it but it was available in the ’50s and ’60s.
Haha. Because we’re all old and spoiled by our modern daily drivers!!
But I totally agree with you. Owning a classic car is not about comfort or convenience it’s kind of the opposite. That’s what’s fun about it.
I say, let a lot of people complain that there’s no A/C. That means less competition for buying a nice classic.
If A/C is that important to you, you have two (2) options: One, buy something else; or Two, call Vintage Air! They can hook you up with a retrofit kit in no time flat! Just make sure that you can cover the balance on the credit card, LOL! Otherwise, if A/C is that important to you, you may be better off looking for a car closer to your liking.
I think people buying cars of a certain vintage expect A/C, as it was becoming more common into the ’70s. Nobody buying a ’57 Chevy or ’64 Tempest would expect factory A/C, but someone buying a ’70s or later Malibu probably would hope to find one with it. Since the Nova was a less expensive car, it’s not surprising this one doesn’t have A/C, but there are lots of others out there that do.
@Poppy
People have gotten entirely too spoiled and soft. Expectations are unrealistic. The majority of ‘72 Novas did NOT have A/C, especially stripper models like this one. It simply should not be in any realistic person’s buying criteria for a car like this.
A ‘72 Cadillac? Yes, that absolutely should have A/C. A base model Nova? A/C would be an unusual bonus, FAR from the norm.
You don’t need A/C in a car. If you want a breeze while you drive, roll down the windows.
You are right. I never rode in any car with air conditioning until probably late 70’s. It was a GM company car.
Nobody but nobody had air in a hot rod or muscle car . If you’re old enough you know.
Maybe a Buick gs or top line olds 442. But not a Chevy plymouth or most fords.
Please
Well said Geoff.
Those thought run through my head every time I hear thoughts on AC.
I can also live without it. It was the first thing I used to remove on cars back in the day. The complexity, parasitic power loss with the old unit’s, weight, maintenance …
Open the windows.
Try to tell my kids that though.
Interesting.
Still available on Craigslist.
Enjoyed reading the earlier barn finds post about the e-bay ad from 2019. Very similar comments from that post about the cars value. The price then was less than half what this seller is asking … same seller? Car now is still within a few miles of where the e-bay ad had it placed. Does anyone know if it sold back in 2019. ‘Real enthusiast’ kinda sounds a bit like the current cl seller.
My grandpa bought a brand new 1972 Chevy nova 2 door sick cylinder auto no a/c first thing he bought after he got his black lung money . Seems like he paid around 2 Grand for it not sure now.
Basic V8 was like 2700 from what I was told by my parents.
Very nice 4-door. I may be in the minority, but I’ll take a 4-door any day (except for trucks, then it’s strictly a 2-door for me). But $18K? Dream on!
Oh well if the claims are true and the car is actually that low mileage put it out there at the price and see if it sticks. Worst thing that will happen is it gets posted on here or other sites with people saying you’re crazy and it doesn’t sell. Best thing that happens is you get all the free advertising and someone makes a offer you can live with.
The people who are saying this car is overpriced were never in the market for it to begin with. Their opinion is irrelevant. Just internet commenters who don’t own classic cars at all, but just like telling others what they should have and how much they should pay for it.
I can’t abide by that comment. Just because someone isn’t in the market for a particular vehicle doesn’t mean they aren’t aware of what represents a reasonable price for it. Also, the post ASKED people to comment on the asking price!
@Larry
No, most people don’t have a clue what ultra low mileage survivors sell for because A) so few come up for sale and B) most people aren’t looking for them. Most people who are looking for a classic are usually looking for a specific type of car, and they are almost always pedigree cars. Most people view four doors, low option cars and the like as parts cars and expendable junk. True low mileage survivors like this Nova do not come up very often, so there is little to compare it to pricewise. But you are ignorant of the market if you think “four door” automatically means “no money”. This car is not properly advertised at all, by website or by presentation. If it were properly advertised it would already have sold for $18k and could possibly fetch more. Boise craigslist has no reach compared to Bring A Trailer, BJ or Mecum.
I stand 110% by my statement that the naysayers are clueless about this car’s value, because they’re all focused on the doors, not the condition. The condition is what will sell it.
May I remind you, a fully optioned big block SS Nova in this condition would easily fetch six figures, so $18k is NOT very much money in comparison.
Yo ‘a real enthusiast’
You might want to give it a rest. People can’t give an opinion in comments section without you trampling all over them?
Like nobody else knows how to get down the road?
Who died and left you grand poo ba?
@just a plain old enthusiast
Because the whole premise of this article is garbage. “Hey everyone, here’s a guy selling an extraordinarily clean, low mileage classic car – let’s trash him and let him know he’s no longer welcome in our community!”
You people aren’t real car guys, you’re armchair trash-talkers who would rather cut someone down than appreciate a nice classic car. You are a disgrace to the classic car community and all of the REAL enthusiasts in it.
Jeez. The righteous know-it-all just doesn’t know when to quit.
Moving on.
I don’t see any links to an ad.
Do I have to visit McCall Idaho and find it on the street if I want to look at it or ask questions?
Naaaah
Where’s the link to the ad?
It’s on Craigslist Boise go there then in the search just type in 1972 it pops right up. I emailed the owner and it is a 307 V8 power glide transmission car
Thanks for the info and like you said I found it with ease. For a second I thought I was on Ebay because the photos were so bad. But as most of us understand, it’s value will more than likely be undermined because of the extra doors and the fact that the vehicle is definitely overpriced for the most part. Hey it is what it is..Best of luck to the seller.
@Keith D.
“it’s value will more than likely be undermined because of … the fact that the vehicle is definitely overpriced for the most part.”
Think about what you just said there. Just think about it.
They don’t call it the peanut gallery for nothin’!
Boy, there’s nothing like an overpriced 4 door Nova to bring out the crowds!
Overpriced according to who? The people who were never going to buy a four door Nova no matter the price?
I stand by my comment 100% You want to defend the status of this overpriced Nova…Be my guest…”The people were never going to buy a four door Nova no matter the price”
What!?? Think about what you just said there…Just think about it! WTH is a “Peanut Gallery” in regards to selling cars?? Please educate me…Sensibly please…
Arguing about the valuation is meaningless. I just know personally I would not spend 18 grand on a low option. Originally cheap transportation car with an absolutely horrible drivetrain. Gutless smog 307 with a two-speed sledomatic and nothing power assisted
Hey Brian,, you left out the link to the ad!!
I think we’ve seen this one before, long ago.
On Long Island, NY, where I live, the summers are the car season, and the heat can be brutal. I’ve had two older cars, one a convertible, both with A/C, which made them much more comfortable to enjoy on rides, and to and from shows. It’s just an opinion that we would find a car more interesting if it had air, that’s all.
Here is the link.
https://boise.craigslist.org/cto/d/riggins-1972-chevy-nova/7671171670.html
Well … at least it’s not green.
Ole grandad saying..
“There’s an ass for every seat”
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved this generation Chevy Nova. Whilst the 2 door SS is nice, I’ve always preferred the 4 door Nova. I don’t get why Chevy discontinued the station wagon when they intro’d this gen. That’s another body style I’ve always loved.
Well, I watched Barrett-Jackson last night and now I think if a car is priced at less than $100K it’s cheap. I hadn’t watched a BJ auction in a long time and was totally amazed at what people were paying for some of that stuff. I’m glad I watched it so now I’m thinking this low mileage Nova is a good deal. Yes, if I bought it I would call Vintage Aire because I would want to enjoy it in the summer here in Georgia. The asking price is just a starting point and I don’t think many are actually sold for that much, so GLWTS.
Oh man, bolt a wheelchair lift on the back of it, a Greatful Dead sticker on the bumper and you are Rockin!!
It seems that “A REAL enthusiast” is defending the price, a LOT.
Could he be the owner, perhaps?
I like almost all Novas and I like this one. Like others have said, I don’t like it enough to pay $18K for it, however.
i is may be a 5,ooo. to 6,5oo but not 18k
Interesting little Nova. Ordered the optional 307 V8, the cheaper powerglide instead of turbo hydramatic. Certainly will order the AM radio, but no way on the power steering! Oh, what’s this?…yes, add the optional painted (not vinyl) top. LOL. I always enjoy looking at original cars because of the way some folks ordered them. It is part of the charm. As far as the asking price…who cares? If someone ponies up the 18 grand, more power to the seller. The car is worth what someone wants to pay for it, period.
As attractive as the car may be, doubt that it’s $18k attractive. I think the most I’d be willing to pony up would be around $10k, and that’s with most of the options available.
The buyer of this car will be buying based on condition, not options. Some folks value condition more than options. Especially important on a four door, since none of the four door specific items are reproduced. If you want excellent condition original style upholstery and door panels in a four door, you have no choice but to buy original.
Are 70 comments a record? Do I hear 71!
ARe… you’re right, most people here aren’t in the market for a 4-door Nova, no matter how nice. But a car is only worth what a willing buyer will pay, and I don’t think there are many people in the market for this one – anywhere – at $18k.
GLWS
@ A REAL Enthusiast My comments about the options had nothing to do with why someone is interested in buying it now. I was commenting on how unique some old cars WERE ordered back in the day. Geezus H, dude, mellow out…
Great car for a 70s movie.
Sorry, dedicated readers, “A REAL Enthusiast” has declared your opinions are all irrelevant unless you are personally in the market for an old, boring, pedestrian Nova with four doors. He will be sharing with us a collection of new photographs just as soon as his $18,000 cheque clears the bank. He will remain available to rant and explain why none of us have a valid opinion (or a cold clue) regarding this particular vehicle.
I’m here to protect this hobby and community from bitter old guys who can’t afford the cars they want any more, so they try to cut everyone else’s cars down as some strange way to make themselves feel better about themselves.
I’m the guy defending someone selling a remarkably well preserved classic car that most of you would have happily sacrificed just to put some better fenders on a two door. How am I somehow the bad guy?
What makes you the bad guy? Perhaps we can begin with the way you preach to everyone on this enthusiast’s site that their opinion about the value of the subject car is invalid. Maybe it’s your assumption that everyone who believes the car is overpriced is biased because they aren’t in the market for one. A dime-a-dozen, bland, pedestrian car that was never at the top of anyone’s wish list is far from a classic, regardless of its age or condition. People have expressed their rather learned opinions about the value, as they were asked to, and you disagree. Leave it at that.